[ jude wraps both arms around him and holds him as close as he can, brushing his hair with his fingers, soothing. ]

Then we're okay, aren't we? You haven't done a single thing wrong, so stop worrying so much. We're fine.

And I hope you understand, someday, but in the meantime, you'll just have to take my word for it. Look at it this way: if I really am under the influence of some sort of truth serum, then I can't be telling anything other than the truth. It'd be impossible.

[ he lowers his voice to a murmur, letting soft strands of hair slip through his fingers when he speaks. ]

And 9S? Thank you.